Sandra Isidore

Sandra Isidore, a singer and influential figure in Fela Kuti's life, shares vivid stories from their time together in Los Angeles and Lagos. Listeners learn about Fela's transformative journey into a pan-Africanist revolutionary, significantly shaped by their relationship. The podcast delves into Fela's musical evolution influenced by jazz and funk, his early struggles in Nigeria, and the birth of Afrobeat. Notably, Sandra's introduction of pivotal texts reshaped Fela's worldview, leading him toward politically charged music that resonated globally.

Join Sandra Isidore, a pivotal figure in Fela Kuti’s life, as she shares her journey with the legendary Nigerian musician. Discover how Fela went from a classically trained artist to the Afrobeat pioneer using music as a weapon against oppressive regimes. Sandra reflects on her role in Fela’s political awakening, introducing him to the harsh realities of American racism. Their dynamic also reveals the fusion of cultures that shaped Fela’s revolutionary sound, transforming personal pain into powerful music for change.

Sandra Isidore, a singer and key figure in Fela Kuti's life, shares her journey from growing up in Watts to meeting the legendary Nigerian musician. They discuss how Sandra's influence inspired Fela to transition from jazz to Afrobeat after learning about Black history and politics. Archival clips of Fela reveal his bold stance against oppressive regimes through music. The conversation dives into the melding of genres, the birth of a revolutionary sound, and the impact of art as a means of resistance.